First AfLS Conference and Workshop 2015

The Vision of Egypt for the AfLS

19 Nov 2015, 13:50

20m

Auditorium (ESRF)

Oral Presentations Main Policy and Strategy Talks

Speaker

Dr Gihan Kamel (SESAME)

Description

SESAME started a long journey since 1997 when it was only a thought to construct the first light-source in the Middle-East. Current members are: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey. Where, Brazil, China, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States are the observers. SESAME, the third generation light source seeks Excellency of Science, as well as, bridging the gaps between its diverse -culturally and politically- conflicting societies. Huge obstacles were faced, and more challenges are still there, but soon with its planned commissioning in 2016, the dream of so many people will become a reality. Since its foundation under the auspices of UNESCO and up till now, SESAME -which is still under construction- receives in-kind support from several international organizations, the observers, as well as, its members. Resembling SESAME, the African Light Source (AfLS) embodies the first synchrotron-light facility for African countries. The progress is going forward with international support. However, with the preliminary studies, it is expected that the machine will be into operation not before 10-15 years. On the other hand, SESAME could be into operation within the next year with 2 day-1 beamlines, and more to be added, having secured the necessary fund of a few millions of dollars. For this, a joint strategy and urgent work plan is mandatory.

Summary

With Egypt being always willing to strengthen the relation with African states and in particular, in science and technology, the Egyptian government, represented by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, ASRT, combines all the efforts and resources towards the benefit of all, extending the dream of SESAME to involve the interested African countries as well. For example, two complimentary advanced centers for sample preparation, characterization and data analysis, are being established at Cairo and Helwan universities. The facilities of these labs are scheduled to serve SESAME members, and could be also considered as a base of the AfLS centre, and the new joint African countries.
The presentation will convey the vision of Egypt highlighting the possible cooperation and integration themes between SESAME and AfLS, together with a proposed Egyptian initiative, its goals, as well as, its major challenges.

Presentation Materials

Slides

AfLS_-gihan_kamel.pdf